The Phoenix Suns fired their head coach, Igor Kokoskov on Tuesday morning. If he was willing to be an assistant, the Indiana Pacers could use an offensive boost.
I’m not sure why he picked Tuesday morning at 12:45 in the morning to do this, but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski dropped this Woj nuke over the city of Phoenix:
Phoenix has fired coach Igor Kokoskov, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 23, 2019
The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Igor Kokoskov after his first season with the organization. In firing Kokoskov, the Suns have kicked their fourth head coach in four seasons to the curb.
For many reasons, this is a puzzling decision. Yes, the Suns won 19 games and failed to break their decade long playoff drought. It is hard to blame much, if any of that failure on Kokoskov, though, given the dearth of established talent on the roster. Even without that aforementioned talent, Kokoskov flexed his offensive coaching muscle, helping Devin Booker emerge into one of the league’s top scorers.
It seems the Suns fired Kokoskov because they believe better options exist on the market, as evidenced by a later Woj report stating Phoenix’s interest in Monty Williams. Despite their firing of Kokoskov, Woj reported the Suns actually planned on keeping Kokoskov around. Going after Monty Williams is like breaking up with your steady girlfriend to go after a new girl who isn’t even as hot. It doesn’t make any sense.
But Ben, I’m not reading 8points9suns, why are you writing about this firing on the opposite side of the country. Besides my desire to take any chance I can to rip on the train wreck that is the Sarver-era Suns, this firing has relevance to the Indiana Pacers.
The Indiana Pacers should look as Igor Kokoskov
After their sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics, many have flung around opinions regarding the future of Nate McMillan. I am of the opinion that firing McMillan would be a rash decision, but that’s another topic for another article.
I cannot deny the steaminess of McMillan’s seat after three straight first-round exits, though. And I absolutely cannot deny McMillan is one of the worst offensive coaches in the NBA, putting Indiana in dire need of an offensive spark.
One of my hypotheses for Kokoskov’s firing is his inability to get along with the players. The ability to hold a stable locker room and be a good people manager is an underrated aspect of coaching and something Nate McMillan happens to excel at. At points in the season, Kokoskov reportedly “lost the locker room.” In The Athletic‘s recent player poll (subscription required), Kokoskov ranked as one of the least popular coaches in the league.
I’ve been hinting at this for 400 words now: the Pacers should hire Igor Kokoskov as an offensive assistant, letting Nate relinquish full control of the offense in favor of Kokoskov. That way, McMillan can focus on defense, his specialty.
As a fantastic offensive mind, Kokoskov could install an offense which better suits the modern NBA while playing to the Pacers’ strengths. It would only serve to maximize the abilities of Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis while continuing to let Victor Oladipo thrive.
It makes perfect sense, really, like keeping your current steady girlfriend and adding an adorable (and tactically gifted) dog to the relationship.
So, Mr. Pritchard, pick up the phone. Don’t let Igor Kokoskov sulk for one more minute before sending him your golden chariot and flying him out to the great land of Indianapolis.